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Jalapeño Cheddar Ranch Cheese Puffs

Jalapeño Cheddar Ranch Cheese Puffs - featured image

These easy homemade cheese puffs blend sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeño, and tangy ranch seasoning for a savory snack that’s perfect for game night, parties, or anytime you crave bold flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re crispy outside, soft inside, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup (120g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
  • 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 tbsp extra shredded cheddar (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tbsp sliced jalapeño rounds (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Shred cheddar cheese and dice jalapeño. Toss together with ranch seasoning in a separate bowl.
  4. In another bowl, whisk eggs until frothy, then add milk and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula. Fold in cheese, jalapeño, and ranch mixture. Do not overmix.
  6. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop 1½-inch mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.
  7. Sprinkle extra cheese, jalapeño slices, or herbs on top if desired.
  8. Bake on the middle rack for 13–15 minutes, until golden brown on the edges and slightly soft in the center.
  9. Let cheese puffs rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  10. Serve warm, or cool completely before storing.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 baking blend. For extra heat, keep jalapeño seeds or add cayenne. Do not overmix the batter to keep puffs light. Freshly grated cheese melts best. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese puffs, jalapeño, cheddar, ranch, snack, easy, homemade, party food, savory, appetizer, gluten-free option